What the Beck?

Monday, November 14, 2016

What the Beck???

Recipe Review

Today’s Recipe and Location: Granola Chocolate Chip Cookies

Found in: The Pioneer Woman blog:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/granola-chocolate-chip-cookies.html

I figured out that there are 174 calories, if 36 cookies are made. (Please note that the calorie counts vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients that you choose to use.)

I loved these cookies. They are thin and really spread out, but they have great flavor. I took about 30 to the Veterinary Hospital and came home with none. I always feel really good when something I serve or deliver is all consumed. These are a keeper.

These are the ingredients that I used to create this recipe.

In my stand mixer, I began with the softened butter.

I added in the brown sugar,

and then I mixed it until it was a fluffy cloud.

Okay, the cloud is a little overkill.

The vanilla was added and mixed.

The eggs were added in, one at a time.

Okay, confession time - Ree always says

to crack the eggs into a container, like a ramekin BEFORE

adding them to the mix, just like I did in the photo. But

really - I cracked them into the bowl and had shell everywhere.

So, this beautiful photo is effort #2 after I threw the entire

mixture away and began again. Big Bummer!!!

I guess Ree always knows best - I need to LISTEN to her.

I mixed together the dry ingredients.

I added in the flour mixture, one scoop at a time.

I mixed it until it just came together.

I mixed together the granola, apricots, and chocolate chips.

The chocolate chips are underneath.

I almost forgot to take a photo of the final mix. I had already

put it on the cookie sheets when I snapped this one.

The cookies came out very thin and luscious.

Saturday, November 12, 2016

What the Beck???

Recipe Review

Today’s Recipe and Location: Granola (to be added to the next recipe for Granola Chocolate Chip Cookies

Found in: The Pioneer Woman blog: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/granola-chocolate-chip-cookies.html

I figured out that there are 473 calories, if ½ c. servings are made, or 237 calories for ¼ c. servings. (Please note that the calorie counts vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients that you choose to use.)

I really loved this granola. Nicole suggested that it would be good on yogurt, but I just ate it plain because I was yogurtless at the time. The crunch is wonderful, and it has a really good flavor. It would also be fab on ice cream. Yum!

These are the ingredients that I used to create this recipe.

I began by mixing the oats, oil, butter, and salt.

I spread them on these baking sheets and cooked

them. I shook the pans twice during cooking, so

they didn't stick to the pan. Then I set them aside.

I combined the nuts and seeds in a bowl, to make the process

go faster later. I began with the pecans.

Then, I added in the sunflower seeds,

and finally the slivered almonds. Ree called for

chopped almonds, but I had the slivers in the cupboard.

Now, on to make the gooeyness that will hold it all together.

Ya know - like glue. I added brown sugar to a saucepan.

I poured in the honey

and the molasses.

While the gooeyness was melting, I put foil over the cookie

sheets, and then buttered the heck out of it.

I added the seeds and nuts to the baked oats.

Now, back to the gooey mixture which is starting to melt.

The last ingredient to add is the vanilla.

These heart measuring spoons are too cute.

I'm mixing it in and its startin' to boil.

I poured it into the oat mixture.

Now, all of it goes on the greased, foiled

baking sheet and it goes back in the oven for

the final baking. When it is all done, I broke it

into large chunks and it was good to go. This is

a good, healthy snack!

Thursday, November 10, 2016

What the Beck???

Bucket List Update

Academy Award Nominated Movies

1992 The Crying Game

starring: Forest Whitaker, Miranda Richardson, Stephen Rea, Adrian Dunbar, Breffnie McKenna

plot – The story of a British soldier who is captured by IRA terrorists

This was a really good movie. I can’t imagine being captured by terrorists. Thank Heavens, there is nothing they would want from me.

1998 The Thin Red Line

starring: Nick Nolte, Sean Penn, Jim Caviezel, John Cusak, John C. Reilly, John Travolta, Woody Harrelson, George Clooney, Ben Chaplin

plot – Private Witt is returned to the Battle of Guadalcanal. The Americans go after the Japanese held positions.

This was a good movie with many Hollywood celebs. Once again, it is a gory story, but probably shows the real life or death situations. I have seen way too many war movies lately.

1998 Saving Private Ryan

starring: Tom Hanks, Tom Sizemore, Edward Burns, Barry Pepper, Adam Goldberg, Vin Diesel, Matt Damon, Ted Danson, Dennis Farina

plot – Capt. John Miller is sent to the battlefield to retrieve Private Ryan because his brothers have all been killed in battle and the army wants to send home the final son. While searching for Ryan, all of the men sent have to find the strength as they deal with the worst parts of war.

At first I thought, oh great another war movie!!! This one was so wonderful that I was fascinated with the story. Of course once again, Tom Hanks is absolutely amazing as Capt. John Miller. Wow! Who knew I could love a was movie at this point in time?

2002 The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

starring: Bruce Allpress, Sean Astin, John Bach, Sala Blake, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Billy Boyd, Jed Brophy

plot – The second movie in the series, shows Frodo and the Fellowship setting out to destroy the ring.

This was a movie that is not for me. I disliked all of the violence, and Sci Fi and Fantasy are not for me. I had a hard time understanding what was happening at first because I had never seen the original movie. I can’t help being depressed that two more of these movies are nominated – oh joy, but I’ll watch’em.

1999 The Cider House Rules

starring: Tobey Maguire, Charlize Theron, Delroy Lindo, Paul Rudd, Michael Caine, Jane Alexander, Kathy Baker, Kieran Culkin

plot – This is the story of Homer Wells who lives in an orphanage. Dr. Larch, played by Michael Caine, is the head of the place, and is close to all of the children. He does perform abortions, to avoid having more orphans, which was against the law at the time. Homer leaves, and life is really challenging for him. He is faced with a soul wrenching decision.

I loved this movie!!!! Michael Caine is spectacular as the doctor and Tobey Maguire is believable as Homer. If you have never seen this movie – go to your library and check it out.

2000 Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

starring: Yun-Fat Chow, Ziyi Zhang, Michelle Yeoh, Chen Chang, Sihung Lung

plot – Set in China in the 19^th century, this is a movie about the search for a sword. A Chinese warrior gives it to a girlfriend, but it is stolen from her.

This was a ridiculous movie, unless you are a big martial arts movie fan. The characters fight all of the time and for some reason can fly as they fight. Of Lord, this one was a royal pain in the drain.

2001 In the Bedroom

starring: Tom Wilkinson, Sissy Spacek, Nick Stahl, Marisa Tormei, William Mapother

plot – Set in Maine, it is the story of a family named Fowler. Parents, Matt and Ruth, (Wilkinson, and Spacek), are not happy with their son’s choice of a girlfriend (Tomei). The family has to deal with a major tragedy.

This was a surprise for me. The title had me thinking one thing, but it was not about sex. This story drew you in to the family's struggle through the death of their son. I was so unprepared for depth of feelings I would go through while watching this movie. This is one of my favorite movies this month.

2001 Moulin Rouge

starring: Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor, John Leguizamo, Jim Broadbent, Richard Roxburgh

plot – Set in a Paris nightclub, a writer has an affair with the star of the show (Kidman).

This was a shockingly great movie. I had watched the same movie from 1952 and this one was a hundred times better. Nicole Kidman is one of the main reasons. She was outstanding.

1981 Reds

starring: Warren Beatty, Diane Keaton, Edward Herrmann, Jerzy Kosinski, Jack Nicholson, Paul Sorvino, Maureen Stapleton

plot – IMDb reports: a radical American journalist becomes involved with the Communist Revolution in Russia and hopes to bring its spirit and idealism to the USA.

This was a VERY long (3+ hr.) movie. I didn’t know much about the Revolution or the role of Unions, but it was just too darn long to hold my undivided interest.

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

What the Beck???

Recipe Review REVISIT an old favorite!!!

Today’s Recipe and Location: Spicy Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork

Found in: The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Food from my Frontier

Pages 158 - 259: Copyright: 2012 Harper Collins

And: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/spicy-pop-pulled-pork-recipe.html

Calories vary depending on the size of the pork butt that is purchased and how much meat your put on your sammy.

I decided to make breakfast and lunch for the veterinary staff after Willow had her surgery. I wanted to thank them for everything they do for my girls.

Here are the ingredients that I used to create this recipe.

I began by putting the chopped onions
in the bottom of the Dutch oven.

This is one monster pork butt.

I poured a can of chilies in adobo sauce right on top.

That is a lot of chilies!!
Hot stuff!!!

In went the Dr. Pepper.

With the lid on, this will
cook for hours.

The steam coming off this was so hot.
I skimmed off the fat on top.

The finished product.

I pulled the pork

apart with forks, and then put it back

into the liquid with the peppers.

Time to eat!!

The staff loved this luncheon sammy.

Sunday, November 6, 2016

What the Beck???

Recipe Review

Today’s Recipe and Location: Garlic Cheese Bread

Found in: The Pioneer Woman blog

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/garlic-cheese-bread-recipe.html

I figured out that there are 647 calories, if 8 servings are made. (Please note that the calorie counts vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients that you choose to use.)

ANOTHER fabulous cheese bread recipe from Ree. I split this with Nicole Serpico and family, and we both agreed that it was great. The garlic was not overwhelming, because it was infused in the butter, and not put directly on the bread. Another keeper!!!!

Here are the ingredients that I used to create this recipe.
OOPS, forgot to put out the Parmesan Cheese.

I began by mixing together some of the butter and all
of the mayo, and then added in the three cheeses.

I chopped up the four green onions
and added them into the mix.

I melted the rest of the butter and the garlic,
and let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the
garlic flavor to join with the butter.

As the butter was cooking, I split the loaf of bread in half.

I used my brush to spread the infused butter on the bread.

I used a butter knife to spread the cheese mixture over
the top of both halves of the bread.

Just look at all of that goodness. I froze my half,
and gave the rest to Nicole.

Friday, November 4, 2016

What the Beck???

On Tuesday afternoon, November 1st, Willow became extremely ill. She is now in Heaven with Zoe and Zeffe. Sage and I are heartbroken and lost. I feel so numb and sad. We are now trying to figure out a new normal. I post these pictures of my sweet Willow with love. Lord, how we miss her.

This is Willow on the day she came to me.

I bought Willow and Sage two days apart.
For six and half years they were inseparable.
Sage hunts for her every day now.

One of the things she loved was to play frisbee with Sage.

She was a little timid and VERY loving.

She could usually be found on the bed
where she felt safe.

She loved to hide in the tall grasses and watch
everything around her without being seen.

This is one of my favorite photos of her.
She will always have a special place in my heart.

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

What the Beck???

Happy Baptism Day, Shane!!!

Bucket List Update

Academy Award Nominated Movies

1984 A Soldier’s Story

starring: Howard Rollins Jr., Adolph Caesar, Art Evans, David Alan Greer, David Harris, Dennis Lipscomb, Larry Riley, Denzel Washington

plot – According to IMDb: An African American officer investigates a murder in a racially charged situation in World War II.

This was a really great movie. The racially charged story line was wonderful, and gave me food for thought. Howard Rollins is a wonderful actor, and even though Denzel’s part is small, he is always great.

1985 Kiss of the Spider Woman

starring: William Hurt, Raul Julia, Sonia Braga, Jose Lewgoy, Milton Goncalves, Miriam Pires

plot – According to IMBd: A gay and a political prisoner are together in a prison. The gay narrates the stories of two fake movies and his own life.

This was a really dumb movie. I hated how it was directed and the storyline. I had a terrible time not fast forwarding it, but I suffered through until the end of the film.

1986 Platoon

starring: Tom Berebger, Keith David, Willem Dafoe, Forest Whitaker, Francesco Quinn, Kevin Dillon

plot – A young recruit in Vietnam faces a moral crisis when dealing with war.

This was a gory, violent movie. I totally understand that war is awful, but I guess I just can’t stand to watch violence any more. It was a great movie, but I am glad that it is over.

1987 The Last Emperor

starring: John Lone, Joan Chen, Peter O’Toole, Ruochong Ying

plot – The story of the last emperor of China.

I thought that I wouldn’t like this movie, but I was wrong. It made me realize how little I know about the world. I remember so much American history and things like the Holocaust, but I can’t remember much study about the rest of the world. How sad!!

1987 Hope and Glory

starring: Sebastian Rice-Edwards, Geraldine Muir, Sarah Miles, David Hayman, Sammi Davis, Derrick O’Connor

plot – The story of Bill, who grows up in World War II London.

This was a really good story! It was a realistic child’s view of what happened to those that remained in the big cities that were bombed by the Germans during WWII.

1988 Dangerous Liaisons

starring: Glenn Close, John Malkovich, Michelle Pfeiffer, Swoosie Kurtz, Keanu Reeves, Mildred Natwick, Uma Thurman

plot – Two people make a bet about a recently married woman.

Glenn Close played such a wicked person in this movie. John Malkovich has always “creeped me out” and did so in this movie of plotting, greed, and ruined lives.

1989 Born on the Fourth of July

starring: Tom Cruise, Raymond Barry, Caroline Kava, Josh Evans

plot – The story of Ron Kovic who is a Vietnam paralyzed Vet. He becomes an activist when he feels the U.S. government let him down.

This was a really hard movie to watch. The Vietnam War was so badly handled. Our poor Vets who returned to shame and scorn which was not their fault. I felt stress watching this one.

1989 My Left Foot: The Story of Christy Brown

starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Brenda Fricker, Alison Whelan, Kirsten Sheridan

plot – Christy Brown learns to use his left foot to write and paint. He had cerebral palsy.

Wow! What a great movie! Daniel Day-Lewis is amazing as Christy Brown. The story is so good. This one is a must see.

1990 The Godfather, Part 3

starring: Al Pacino, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, Andy Garcia, Eli Wallach, Joe Montegna

plot – Michael is trying to “go straight” in business and make things right with God.

This was a typical Godfather movie. Pacino continues the role of Michael Corlione. This movie has its gruesome moments, but it is a very good movie.

1992 Scent of a Woman

starring: Al Pacino, Chis O’Donnell, James Rebhorn, Gabrielle Anwar, Philip Seymous Hoffman

plot – A blind man needs a caregiver, so he hires a prep school boy.

This was a GREAT movie. I had heard of it, but never viewed it. Al Pacino is amazing as the blind man. He never blinked. How can an actor film an entire movie and never blink his eyelashes?? I even tried it and couldn’t go longer than 13 minutes. My eyes dried out so fast. Chris O’Donnell was fabulous as the caregiver. The story was extremely well done, and I couldn’t and didn’t look away the entire time.

Monday, November 14, 2016

Saturday, November 12, 2016

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Sunday, November 6, 2016

Friday, November 4, 2016

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Subscribe To